Each essay is well documented and strongly supported with end notes and reference sources. . . . Music Preservation and Archiving Today is oriented towards those working with music, but there are many aspects of the writings contained therein which would be useful to archivists working with other media and subject matter. . . [it] does offer much information that would be useful to archivists who do not work with music, particularly with respect to collecting, outreach, preservation, and technology. * Mid-Atlantic Archivist *
I could not put down this great collection of engaging case studies and thoughtful essays. What makes this volume especially useful is its universality. While the title may imply that the book is intended for use by specialists in music archiving and preservation, it will also be valuable for archivists and special collections librarians engaged in a wide variety of fields, as well as musicologists, cultural anthropologists, and fans of music in general . . . Bravo! * Archival Issues *
Music Preservation and Archiving Today is a valuable addition to the growing body of research around archiving music cultures. . . . The case studies and contexts in this volume clearly illustrate the diverse and innovative ways in which music heritage documentation, archiving, and preservation are conceived of and practiced. From cassette collectors to archival outreach initiatives and institutional collecting projects, this volume showcases a collective and activism-infused energy to ensure that the archival traces and documentary evidence of music cultures and spaces are kept safe for generations to come. * Archives and Records: The Journal of the Archives and Records Association *
As the digital age continues to engulf us, the question of how best to archive music and its various histories has never seemed more pressing, or more thrilling. This collection of essays by some of today’s leading archivists and scholars is an essential contribution to an important conversation. -- Jack Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Media Studies and American Studies, University of Virginia
This lovely book arrives not a moment too soon. Faced with an ever expanding body of precious materials and shrinking budgets, music fans, students, scholars, and archivists alike will reach for this book again and again. An indispensable resource for those who are passionate about preserving local music. -- Ellie M. Hisama, Professor of Music, Columbia University
Guthrie and Carlson have curated a volume as eclectic as the local music scenes these essays and case studies document. From regional folk music, to punk and metal, to fan culture and folksonomies, this book represents the cutting edge of music preservation. The editors’ trans-disciplinary approach makes this volume essential reading, not just for music librarians, but for any scholar or fan of music history. A vital contribution to the discourse of cultural memory. -- Spencer D. C. Keralis, Executive Director, Digital Frontiers

Norie Guthrie is an archivist and special collections librarian at Fondren Library’s Woodson Research Center at Rice University. While her job requires her to do a little bit of everything, she specializes in collecting and processing music materials from the Houston Folk Music Archive, which she began in 2016. She is also one-half of the duo behind Indie Preserves, which aims to provide music preservation tips to the DIY music community.

Scott Carlson is the metadata coordinator at Fondren Library, Rice University. He received his MLIS from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, and an Archives Certificate in Digital Stewardship from Simmons College. With Norie Guthrie, he co-founded Indie Preserves, a website that provides practical preservation advice to independent music labels and bands.